Hollywood is in mourning following the passing of actress Alice Hirson, whose warm presence and emotional depth graced decades of television and film. She died peacefully of natural causes on February 14, 2025, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 95. Born in New York (often cited as Long Island or New York City) in 1929, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and launched her career first on stage before transitioning into on‑screen roles.
Her body of work spanned soap operas, prime‑time series, film, and voice roles. In the world of daytime television, she earned recognition on The Edge of Night, Another World, Somerset, One Life to Live, and General Hospital. In prime time, she is perhaps best known for her recurring role as Mavis Anderson on Dallas (1982–1988) and as Lois Morgan, the mother of Ellen DeGeneres’s character, in the sitcom Ellen (1994–1998). She also made appearances in Full House, The Waltons, Maude, Murphy Brown, 7th Heaven, and many more, often leaving a memorable mark even in smaller guest roles. On film, she appeared in works like Private Benjamin, Revenge of the Nerds, Being There, The Glass House, and The Big Picture.
Her time in Full House is especially poignant to viewers: she played Claire Tanner in early episodes, becoming one of the first faces audiences saw in that beloved sitcom. Though many remembered her for those more visible roles, colleagues and fans alike recall her as a consummate performer who infused every character—big or small—with integrity, kindness, and relatability.
In her personal life, Alice Hirson had been married first to Roger O. Hirson (divorced) and later to actor Stephen Elliott, until his passing in 2005. She is survived by her two sons, David and Christopher, and a grandson, Daniel.
Alice Hirson’s departure truly signifies the end of an era. Her talent bridged generations, and though she may often have played supporting or maternal roles, her work resonated deeply with audiences who saw in her characters authenticity and heart. Her legacy will live on in the many series and films she graced, and in the fond memories of viewers who recognized her not just as a performer, but as a source of warmth and continuity in an ever‑changing industry.
